1.Adaptations, interdependence and competition

• Structural adaptation 


  • A physical part / feature of an organism
• Behavioural adaptation 


  • The way an organism behaves
• Functional adaptation 


  • Biological processes within an organism
• Examples of structural adaptation in cold regions

  rounded shape of penguins, small ears of the arctic fox

  • Small surface area : to volume ratio to minimise heat loss to the surroundings.
  • A thick layer of fat or fur to insulate heat.
• Functional adaptations to desert regions

  • some desert animals have specially adapted kidneys that produce very concentrated urine.
  • in order to retain water
• behavioural adaptations in deserts

  • Some are only active in the early mornings, late evenings or at night when it is cooler.
• structural adaptations to desert regions

  •  structures to increase their surface area : volume ratio to aid heat loss
  • e.g large ears
• what is associated with smaller surface area : volume ratio

  • reduce heat loss
• what is associated with larger surface area : volume ratio

  • increase heat loss